Our Lady of Grace Conference
Meeting of Thursday 09/07/2015

Since our last meeting our Vincentians have undertaken a total of 10 visits to people in the local community providing transport, companionship, helping with shopping, running errands and taking people to appointments.

At the meeting the distribution of holiday grants was discussed, with the list being approved. It was also agreed that the mass for the sick and housebound would take place in September or October, with possible dates being considered.

Prayers at the end of the meeting were offered for four people in the parish who have recently died and those killed in Tunisia.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May the souls of the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

Our Lady of Grace Conference

Meeting of Thursday 25/06/2015

Since our last meeting our Vincentians have undertaken a total of 14 visits to people in the local community providing transport, companionship, helping with shopping, running errands, donating food and clothing and offering support and advice.   

                                                     
Those present at the meeting of 25/06/2015 discussed the outcome of the recent SVP collection, with it being agreed that the majority of the money would be used for uniform and holiday grants.  It was also agreed that the list would be considered at the next meeting.

Prayers at the end of the meeting were offered for a young girl who attends Our Lady of Grace School and is being treated for cancer.

Heavenly Father,
We know how you love children.
Watch over all children who are ill, especially those suffering from cancer.
Grant that they may be restored to that perfect health which it is yours alone to give.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Our Lady of Grace Conference

Meeting of Thursday 11/06/2015

                                                                                                                          
Since our last meeting our Vincentians have undertaken a total of 20 visits to people in the local community providing transport, companionship, helping with shopping, running errands, donating food and clothing and offering support and advice.   
                                                  
At the meeting the visits undertaken by our members were discussed.  Information was also given regarding matters raised at the district meeting held on 04/06/2015 and an update provided regarding matters raised at the previous meeting.

 Prayers at the end of the meeting were offered for a young child receiving treatment for cancer and for the special intentions of the members.

Lord Jesus,

You invite all who are burdened to come to you.  May your healing hand help us.
Give us compassion for others and courage to praise you.
Help us to reach out to you in all our needs, and to lead others to you by our example and with the help of your blessed mother, Mary.

Amen.

Our Lady of Grace Conference

Meeting of Thursday 21/05/2015

                                                                                                                         

Since our last meeting our Vincentians have undertaken a total of 14 visits to people in the local community providing transport, companionship, helping with shopping, running errands and offering support and advice.   

                                                  

At the meeting everyone was informed that the SVP furniture store was moving and national statistics provided regarding the completion of the secretarial returns.  Visits undertaken by our members and a request for help were also discussed and arrangements were made to attend the next district meeting.

Prayers at the end of the meeting were offered for someone who is having difficulties that he might receive comfort and peace.

As St Teresa of Avila wrote:

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing;
God only is changeless.
Patience gains all things.
Who has God wants nothing.
God alone suffices.

Our Lady of Grace Conference

Meeting of Thursday 07/05/2015

                                                                                                                           

Since our last meeting our Vincentians have undertaken a total of 6 visits to people in the local community providing transport, companionship, helping with shopping and running errands. 

  

 At the meeting arrangements were made for the next SVP collection, the date of which had been rearranged to the weekend of 13/06/2015.  A request for help was also discussed.  At the end of the meeting prayers were offered for a young girl at Our Lady of Grace primary school who had recently been diagnosed with cancer and for the repose of the soul of a former head teacher of the school (Sister Gabriel) who had just died.

 

 Lord Jesus, as Pope Francis said children are the ones you love most.  Bless all children struggling with cancer.  Give them courage when they are afraid, comfort them when in pain and your blessing when all seems hopeless.  We also ask that you help provide them with tender care and the loving support of their families. 

 

 We pray too for Sister Gabriel – Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, may she rest in peace, Amen.

Our Lady of Grace Conference

Meeting of Thursday 23/04/2015

                                                                                                                         

Since our last meeting our Vincentians have undertaken a total of 9 visits to people in the local community and hospital providing companionship, helping with shopping and paying bills.   Easter grants were also distributed to eight of families in need, with a holiday grant being approved for one family.

                                                

At the end of the meeting prayers were offered for our own individual intentions, our families and all those who have asked for prayers to be said. 

As Saint Augustine prayed:

“Watch, dear Lord, with those who cannot sleep and those who weep.

Tend the sick, give rest to the weary and bless the dying.
Relieve those who are suffering, have pity on those in great distress,
and shield those who are happy.
Amen.”

Our Lady of Grace Conference

Meeting of Thursday 19/03/2015

                                                                                                                           

Since our last meeting our Vincentians have undertaken a total of 10 visits to people in the local community providing companionship and helping with shopping.   Members also attended the District meeting at St Joseph’s Ramsbottom and approved the distribution of Easter grants to a number of families in the parish.

 

A generous donation was received from a parishioner, with thanks being offered for their thoughtfulness.  Donations are always welcome as they enable us to help more of those in need anyone interested can put them in an envelope marked ‘SVP donation’ and hand them into the presbytery.

                                                       

Following a discussion on evangelisation prayers were offered for those undertaking this work under the guidance of Pope Francis.  Mary, may your constant love be the light that leads us to your Son, Jesus Christ.  Through you and the Holy Spirit and with the guidance and support of Pope Francis help us hear the call to deepen our faith, grow in confidence to proclaim the Gospel and boldly witness to God’s saving grace so that more people are brought to know and love God.